No. The majority of the thousands of code violation cases handled each year by City of Pensacola Code Enforcement are Officer-initiated. Code violation cases are initiated by Officers on an ongoing basis through the proactive patrols of their assigned BEAT areas. An example is that during FY 2013, 1,840 overgrown vacant property cases were initiated by City Code Enforcement. Of those 1,840 cases, 1,390 (75%) were Officer-initiated while on routine patrol.

Yes. No name is required when reporting a code violation within the City of Pensacola. The complaint is simply entered into our database as "anonymous" with no further information added. To insure anonymity when filing a complaint, please call our office or 311 directly and ask to remain anonymous. You can also submit an anonymous 311 request electronically on the City of Pensacola website by simply not logging in or signing up.

Yes. A person can simply go to the City of Pensacola website and enter a complaint on the City 311 link which will then be routed to City Code Enforcement for handling. A person can also call our office (850-436-5500) after hours and leave a voice mail message which will then be handled the next business day. A person does NOT have to leave their name or telephone number to file a complaint.

Yes. Our staff meets with Neighborhood Associations, Community groups and individual citizens on a regular basis. An organization or individual simply has to call or e-mail our office with a date and time of the meeting request and we will insure that a staff member is present to answer any questions.

The CDBG Program is a federal grant program funding by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The monies provide a flexible funding source for local governments to use for community improvement projects, such as revitalization of neighborhoods, reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, and public facilities, as well as public service activities and affordable housing and economic development opportunities.

The city is eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, to automatically receive annual allocations of CDBG monies each year under the Grant Entitlement Program.

The program offers a wide range of eligible activities, which gives local governments the flexibility to meet their community's needs. Some examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, acquisition of real property, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, provision of neighborhood facilities, code enforcement, and public works projects.

The city's administration makes recommendations to City Council on proposed projects and budget each year. City Council approves the final CDBG budget and projects at the City Council meeting in July of each year.

There are multiple ways to get information from a City Department: 1. Visit the Staff Directory2. Online: Visit Pensacola 3113. Phone: Dial 3114. Smartphone: Download and use the Pensacola 311 mobile app.

In general, the Center will work in four core areas: habitat conservation, species conservation, cooperation with federal and state agencies to develop recreational fishing opportunities, and science and technology research. The proposed Center will raise and release fish as part of broader efforts to improve fishing opportunities. Center scientists will work with partner organizations like universities and marine research foundations to restore, enhance and protect habitat through research.

The money is a portion of the $1 billion set aside for early restoration of injured natural resources by the parties’ responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It is commonly referred to as “NRDA money” in reference to the process known as Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) that is used to identify potential injuries to natural resources and lost public uses resulting from an oil spill. The $1 billion is considered to be only a “down payment” on restoring damage caused by the spill and is governed by a legal framework signed by the Trustees and BP.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the facility in perpetuity. The agreement with BP funds operations and maintenance of the facility for five years. After five years, upkeep and repair of facility buildings as well as maintenance of stormwater and effluent retention ponds, and filtration marsh will be provided by the FWC and its governmental, university, or non-profit partners.

Not easily and not without significant uncertainty and delay. The money has been designated for the construction of a hatchery. All of the projects (there are 44 of them) that are on the draft list are the culmination of a long period of negotiations between BP and representatives from the five affected states and the federal government. At this time, money can only be used for projects that have been vetted through those negotiations. It is important to note that this project, as were all the phase III projects, was funded after negotiation with BP according to terms in an early restoration framework. That framework requires early restoration projects to have a nexus to injury associated with the spill and there are specific (and often highly detailed) “credits” given to BP for each project. These requirements guided the trustee’s planning efforts and some of the proposed alternative uses for the funds simply do not fit within the framework.

There is still approximately $300 million in early restoration money available. That is for all the Gulf States, not just Florida, but we can expect that some of it will be available for projects in our area. Even though the City cannot re-direct the money proposed for the hatchery to another project that does not mean that other projects that might meet the restoration criteria are off the table. Interested groups and individuals still have time to submit project ideas. Information about project criteria and the submission process as well as forms for submitting project ideas are available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/restoration/give-us-your-ideas/.

There is no denying that water quality and habitat are priorities for restoring the Gulf, however the assumption that we are de-emphasizing water quality and habitat concerns with our proposal for the Enhancement Center is incorrect. FWC has proposed (and gotten approved) a number of habitat and water quality projects through a combination of NRDA and National Fish and Wildlife (NFWF) funding. We look at the Enhancement Center as an important research center to address a number of concerns relative to the Gulf including fisheries, habitat, and water quality. At this time, opposing the Enhancement Center Project will not free up more resources to address habitat and water quality concerns. On the contrary, it will reduce the attention on these issues that the new Center would have provided.

The facility is called a marine stock enhancement center for a reason – it provides not only fish for stocking purposes, but also source material for habitat restoration projects and a focal point to educate the public (especially young folks) about the importance of habitat quantity and quality to fisheries. The facility will also function as a research center for partners to leverage our capability to address a large number of issues associated with marine fisheries and habitat.

The fish will be released throughout the Northern Gulf where there is high quality habitat to support them. The hatchery is part of a larger plan to restore parts of the Gulf Coast ecosystem that were injured by the Spill. The fish will be raised in Pensacola and released where hatchery scientists and fisheries management experts determine it makes the most scientific sense.

While the facility is based in Pensacola, it is important to note that this project is a Gulf-wide restoration effort. Fish will be transported from the hatchery to appropriate release sites throughout the northern Gulf. Pensacola was chosen to host the facility after extensive discussions with local leaders, but the Enhancement Center could be built at a number of sites in the northern Gulf. If the proposed site is not approved to house the facility, the project will be delayed significantly and will be sited in the next most optimal location along the panhandle Gulf Coast.

Yes. UWF recognizes that it plays a role in providing support for research opportunities throughout our region. The university is working in conjunction with the state trustees to identify and develop research opportunities at a hatchery for faculty and graduate students. The university is already looking into creating an academic position that would have responsibility for coordinating research work with the hatchery as well as developing curriculum that would incorporate hatchery resources.

During the early stages of the Phase III project negotiations City officials were asked by state representatives of the trustee agencies to identify potential sites in the city. Bruce Beach was identified as one possibility during a site survey conducted by representatives of the trustees in 2010. After a long period of review by relevant environmental and engineering experts Bruce Beach was selected as the most promising site. Following the city council’s unanimous decision to enter into lease negotiations with the state trustees in June 2011 the site was included in the draft proposals that were presented to BP for negotiation. Those negotiations triggered further reviews of the Bruce Beach site, the results of which are presented in the Draft Early Restoration Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.

No individuals or groups have expressed serious interest in the site and it is unlikely that the site would draw interest before environmental remediation work was completed.

The Bruce Beach site is currently undeveloped and does not support any economic activity or human use. It is highly disturbed and is currently covered with excess material including earth fill and limestone riprap that are stockpiled within the property. Additionally, the site is strewn with other historic debris from previous industrial land uses including creosote-treated timber, concrete pilings, concrete culverts, bricks, abandoned rail spur, and other miscellaneous debris.

Any future value calculations would be highly speculative. The city council approved lease negotiations based on a nominal yearly fee of one dollar. At face value it appears that the city is essentially leasing land for free. That does not take into account the value of the jobs created, the economic benefits to the tourism and fishing industries, the intangible value of increased national and international exposure, or the foregone research, educational, recreational and environmental benefits. The future value of the revenue from any alternative development (reminder: nothing has been or is being proposed) would have to be discounted by all of those factors.

This project is based on a longer term view that recognizes the fact that fishing is a huge economic driver to the Gulf’s economy and that we will want to have every tool in our toolbox (including stock enhancement and habitat restoration) to fuel this economic engine indefinitely.

A final determination has not been made. Public input, expert opinions from the scientific community and recommendations from the fishing industry will all play a role in the decision. It is also important to note that the hatchery will be able to make changes to its production plans based on the data it collects in the course of its operations as well as angler preferences.

What FWC has learned from over twenty years of raising saltwater fish and a large scale stocking experiment in Tampa Bay is that success of stocking efforts is species and location-dependent. Because of this, FWC is still very much in the evaluation mode for stock enhancement as a fisheries management tool in saltwater, and the proposed project will be the first production-oriented saltwater hatchery in the state of Florida. This facility will provide us with the capability to take our science-based approach to marine stock enhancement in Florida to the next level. Final decisions on species and stocking locations will be made only after extensive consultation with the fishing community and scientific partners.

Each application must consist of a single project with a clearly defined goal which has a direct benefit to the neighborhood and its residents. Applications for Phase One of a Two-Phase Project must be identified as such and must include information and costs for the entire project up front.

Eligible Programmatic Activities include (but are not limited to): - Family/home safety training, drug and fire prevention programs, cultural exhibit areas, youth and/or family literacy programs, neighborhood computer labs, after school enrichment programs and neighborhood music, dance and/or art training programs. (Proposals for neighborhood cultural, educational and recreational programs must include detailed information about the number, ages, etc. of the residents to be served and how they will be recruited to participate. If awarded, documentation will be required on the actual participants and results of the program.)

PLEASE NOTE: The association will be responsible for keeping track of all volunteer hours donated toward your project. If the project entails a programmatic activity which involves payment to persons for hours worked, the association is responsible for collecting and submitting time sheets to be paid by the City of Pensacola. The association must draw up a contract with each “employee” that includes SSN, number of hours to be worked weekly, hourly rate, start and end dates, signature of “employee”, and signature of association President. All time sheets must be signed by an association officer before they can be submitted for payment. The City of Pensacola is not responsible for calculating the number of hours worked or the amount to be paid.

Eligible Association Owned Property Improvements and Landscaping projects include (but are not limited to): - Improvements to association owned property and and/or rights of way (such as islands, street lighting, sidewalk repair/construction, entryway enhancements and improvements and/or identification signs)- Total replacement and/or rehabilitation of some existing physical improvements might be deemed eligible. (This would be based on the individual circumstances and available funding and will be judged on a case- by-case basis.)

Ineligible projects include (but are not limited to):- Routine maintenance or repair of existing physical improvements in a neighborhood (including, but not limited to: streets, fences, irrigation systems, storm water retention facilities, and entrance signs).- Funding for ongoing programs or administrative expenses will not be considered.- Funding of print brochures, guides, marketing and promotional materials.

The Pensacola Neighborhood Challenge Program (PNC) makes funds available to associations/organizations (for qualified projects) to make improvements in neighborhoods.

a. An organization obtains an application packet from the City of Pensacola website at www.cityofpensacola.com, completes, and emails the completed application to lstatler@cityofpensacola.com. Applications may also be mailed to Leslie Statler, Planner, in the Planning Services Department, 222 W. Main St., Pensacola, FL 32502.

b. Applications are reviewed by the PNC Technical Review Committee and recommendations are forwarded to the Office of the Mayor. (NOTE: The applicant should be prepared to make a presentation on their project to the PNC Technical Review Committee proposal after submission, if requested).

c. If approved, a PNC funding agreement will be mailed to the applicant. The applicant will be required to submit a signed agreement (along with the check for any “matching” cash funds) to the City of Pensacola. The agreement will then be finalized and a copy returned to the applicant (along with the reporting forms needed to complete the project).

Note: Neighborhoods that have never received a PNC grant will receive priority for funding.

**IMPORTANT: Grantees Must Submit “Before and After” Digital Photographs Documenting The Progress Of Their Project. **

- Since funds for PNC projects are limited, awards will be based on a project's competitive status. - Extra consideration will be given to: first-time applicants; projects improving public rights of way or public property; a project that can be completed within the term of the grant agreement (1 year); and associations that show they are able/prepared to address any ongoing maintenance created by the project.- All applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Quality and scope of the project: a. The application must be for a “single project” with a budget that is documented, reasonable, and cost effective. The applicant must provide 3 quotes for each component of the project or item to be purchased.b. The project must be well planned, clearly understood, and ready to be executed.c. The project must be completed within the term of the grant agreement. d. The association must prove it is able/prepared and committed to address any ongoing maintenance created by the project.Neighborhood participation and benefit: a. We look for a significant number of people with diverse interests to be involved in (and who will benefit from) the project.b. The project should create opportunities for self-help.c. We look at past performance on PNC (or similar) grants.

General “Match” information:In order to qualify for this grant, the association is required to prove that it is able to “match” the City’s cash contribution with any combination of volunteer labor, in-kind donations, and/or cash. The match must meet the minimum requirement, be secured, and ready to be expended.

Bonus points may be assigned if a group is a first time applicant, the application was submitted previously and revisions were made as advised or the project is innovative or unique.

For the purposes of this grant a “2 to 1” match is required. The total of all forms of match must equal at least 50% of the grant amount requested from the City. This means that for every dollar granted by the City of Pensacola, the applicant will be required to supply fifty cents of match to the project. The match may be accomplished with a combination of any one or more of the following: cash, donated materials or services, or volunteer labor. The match must meet the minimum requirement, be secured, and ready to be expended.

Volunteer Labor: (a) We give credit for “Volunteer labor” at a value of $20 per hour. (b) If a professional (such as an electrician or a carpenter) donates “volunteer labor”, you may calculate the value of this labor by using the hourly rate normally paid for this service. (Remember- your volunteer hours will not be accepted by vendors as payment for goods or services. The combined total of your grant and cash match must cover your project’s cash costs. (From Form “A”).

In-kind donations: We give credit for donated professional services, materials or supplies at their “reasonable and customary” rates. Professionals who donate their services as part of the match cannot also receive compensation from the award money. This is intended to ensure that persons hired to provide services or skilled labor are selected on the basis of their qualifications, experience or fees, not on their willingness or ability to donate services.

Cash: Must be deposited with the City before the project may begin.

Examples:

The cash cost of the project may be covered by a variety of combinations including the following:

Let’s say the total cash needed for the applicant’s proposed project is $9,000. If approved, the City could award a cash grant of $6,000 and the applicant could “match” that award with $3,000 in cash (i.e. a “1 to 2” match). -or-The applicant association could request that the City award a cash grant of $7,500, and provide a cash match (or secure a donation in services or materials) of $1,500 plus provide 112.5 hours (multiplied by $20/hour, valued at $2,250) of volunteer labor to the project for a total match of $3,750.-or-The applicant association could request that the City award a $9,000 cash grant, with the association providing 225 hours (multiplied by $20/hour, valued at $4,500) of volunteer labor to the project.-or-Other combination of “match” equaling half the total amount of the requested grant.

*PLEASE NOTE: Vendors and contractors will not accept volunteer hours as payment but will require actual cash. Your association must be sure all cash costs to be incurred for the project are covered (even if you do not have a cash match).

a. The amount and type of match must be appropriate to the needs of the project.b. The proposed match must be spent during the implementation/construction of the project. (Costs incurred prior to an award or after the contract has ended will not be eligible as a match).c. On-going maintenance (or volunteer hour match) following the contract period will not be eligible.d. At least 25% of the association’s match must come from the association itself (as opposed to other funding sources (such as community partners or non-member businesses).e. Partner match must not only be pledged, but also secured. Secured means that the donor has specifically valued and described the contribution, and has signed the “Letter of Intent” (Form E) to confirm the commitment.f. Be sure to include fees for any required permits, and liability insurance * for signs or structures to be placed in the public right-of-way in your total project cost calculations. g. Activities that are NOT eligible as a “match” include:- Time spent preparing the PNC Matching Grant Application - Time spent fund raising - Assistance from City staff or funds from other City departments h. Your association will be responsible for keeping track of all volunteer hours donated for your project. i. A neighborhood organization, in carrying out a PNC project, must make a good faith effort to ensure they are in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. This Act extends the same civil rights protection to persons with disabilities which have already been granted on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

a. The vendor submits an original invoice to the association representative for review and/or approval.b. On or before the 25th of each month, the association representative submits a completed and signed “Certification for Payment” at the bottom of the Monthly Report Form with the original vendor invoices and vendor’s W-9 form attached to Neighborhood Revitalization, 222 W. Main St., Pensacola, FL 32502. c. The Request is reviewed and, if approved, a check is issued directly to the vendor on the 10th of the following month.d. Applicants may not contract with vendors who are also City of Pensacola employees on PNC funded projects.*

Each neighborhood association will be eligible for one grant every other grant cycle. The only exception will be for a project identified in advance as a two-phase project. The project will be awarded funding for both cycles, pending annual allocation. Any association awarded phased funding will then be ineligible for funding for the following 2 grant cycles.

Each application must consist of a single project with a clearly defined goal which has a direct benefit to the neighborhood and its residents. Applications for Phase One of a Two-Phase Project must be identified as such and must include information and costs for the entire project up front.

Eligible projects include (but are not limited to): - Improvements to government owned property and/or rights of way (such as park equipment, street lighting, sidewalk repair/construction, roadway enhancements and neighborhood entrance improvements and/or identification signs).- Total replacement and/or rehabilitation of some existing physical improvements might be deemed eligible. (This would be based on the individual circumstances and available funding and will be judged on a case- by-case basis).

a. An organization obtains an application packet from the City of Pensacola website at www.cityofpensacola.com, completes and emails or delivers the completed application to lstatler@cityofpensacola.com. Applications may also be mailed to Leslie Statler, Planner, in the Planning Services Department at 222 W. Main Street, Pensacola, FL 32502.

b. Applications are reviewed by the PNC Technical Review Committee and recommendations are forwarded to the Office of the Mayor. (NOTE: The applicant should be prepared to make a presentation on their project proposal to the PNC Technical Review Committee after submission, if requested).

c. If approved, a PNC funding agreement will be mailed to the applicant. The applicant will be required to submit a signed agreement (along with the check for any “matching” cash funds) to the City of Pensacola. The agreement will then be finalized and a copy returned to the applicant (along with the reporting forms needed to complete the project).

NOTE: Neighborhoods that have never received a PNC grant will receive priority for funding.

- Since funds for PNC projects are limited, awards will be based on a project's competitive status. - Extra consideration will be given to: first-time applicants; projects improving public rights of way or public property; a project that can be completed within the term of the grant agreement (1 year); and to associations that show they are able/prepared to address any ongoing maintenance created by the project.- All applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

Quality and scope of the project: a. The application must be for a “single project” with a budget that is documented, reasonable and cost effective. The applicant must provide 3 quotes for each component of the project or item to be purchased.b. The project must be well planned, clearly understood and ready to be executed.c. The project must be completed within the term of the grant agreement. d. The Association must prove it is able/prepared and committed to address any ongoing maintenance created by the project.Neighborhood participation and benefit: a. We look for a significant number of people with diverse interests to be involved in (and who will benefit from) the project.b. The project should create opportunities for self-help.c. We look at past performance on PNC (or similar) grants.

General “Match” information:In order to qualify for this grant, the association is required to prove that it is able to “match” the City’s cash contribution with any combination of volunteer labor, in-kind donations and/or cash. The match must meet the minimum requirement, be secured and ready to be expended.

Bonus points may be assigned if a group is a first time applicant, the application was submitted previously and revisions were made as advised or the project is innovative or unique.

For the purposes of this grant a “2 to 1” match is required meaning the total of all forms of match must equal at least 50% of the grant amount requested from the City. For every dollar granted by the City of Pensacola, the applicant will be required to supply fifty cents of match to the project. The match may be accomplished with a combination of any one or more of the following: cash, donated materials or service or volunteer labor. The match must meet the minimum requirement, be secured and ready to be expended.

Volunteer Labor: (a) We give credit for “Volunteer labor” at a value of $20 per hour. (b) If a professional (such as an electrician or a carpenter) donates “volunteer labor”, you may calculate the value of this labor by using the hourly rate normally paid for this service. (Remember- your volunteer hours will not be accepted by vendors as payment for goods or services. The combined total of your grant and cash match must cover your project’s cash costs. (From Form “A”).

In-kind donations: We give credit for donated professional services, materials or supplies at their “reasonable and customary” rates. Professionals who donate their services as part of the match cannot also receive compensation from the award money. This is intended to ensure that persons hired to provide services or skilled labor are selected on the basis of their qualifications, experience or fees, not on their willingness or ability to donate services.

Cash: Must be deposited with the City before the project may begin.

Examples:

The cash cost of the project may be covered by a variety of combinations including the following:

Let’s say the total cash needed for the applicant’s proposed project is $9,000. If approved, the City could award a cash grant of $6,000 and the applicant could “match” that award with $3,000 in cash (i.e. a “1 to 2” match). -or-The applicant association could request that the City award a cash grant of $7,500, and provide a cash match (or secure a donation in services or materials) of $1,500 plus provide 150 hours (valued at $2,250) of volunteer labor to the project for a total match of $3,750.-or-The applicant association could request that the City award a $9,000 cash grant, with the association providing 300 hours (valued at $4,500) of volunteer labor to the project.-or-Other combination of “match” equaling half the total amount of the requested grant.

*PLEASE NOTE: Vendors and contractors will require actual cash. Your association must be sure all cash costs to be incurred for the project are covered (even if you do not have a cash match).

a. The amount and type of match must be appropriate to the needs of the project.b. The proposed match must be spent during the implementation/construction of the project. (Costs incurred prior to an award or after the contract has ended will not be eligible as a match).c. On-going maintenance (or volunteer hour match) following the contract period will not be eligible.d. At least 25% of the association’s match must come from the association itself (as opposed to other funding sources (such as community partners or non-member businesses).e. Partner match must be not only pledged, but also secured. Secured means that the donor has specifically valued and described the contribution, and has signed the “Letter of Intent” (Form E) to confirm the commitment.f. Be sure to include fees for any required permits, and liability insurance*for signs or structures to be placed in the public right-of-way in your total project cost calculations. g. Activities that are NOT eligible as a “match” include: - Time spent preparing the PNC Matching Grant Application - Time spent fund raising - Assistance from City staff or funds from other City departments h. Your association will be responsible for keeping track of all volunteer hours donated for your project. i. A neighborhood organization, in carrying out a PNC project, must make a good faith effort to ensure they are in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. This Act extends the same civil rights protection to persons with disabilities which have already been granted on the basis of race, color, religion, sex and national origin.

a. Each vendor submits an original invoice to the association representative for review and/or approval.b. On or before the 25th of each month, the association representative submits a completed and signed “Certification for Payment” at the bottom of the Monthly Report Form with the original vendor invoices attached to the Planning Services, Neighborhood Revitalization Department. c. The Request is reviewed and, if approved, a check is issued directly to each vendor on the 10th of the following month.

Note: Applicants may not contract with vendors who are also City of Pensacola employees on PNC funded projects.*

Each neighborhood association will be eligible for one grant every other grant cycle. The only exception will be for a project identified in advance as a two-phase project. The project will be awarded funding for both cycles, pending annual allocation. Any association awarded phased funding will then be ineligible for funding for the following 2 grant cycles.

The smoke alarm will chirp when it’s time to replace the battery. We encourage residents to change the smoke alarm battery when they change their clocks for Daylight Saving time in the spring and fall each year.

To report a fire, remain calm and provide the dispatcher with the following:1. Where the fire is located.2. What is on fire.3. Who is in danger or trapped.4. How the fire began.5. Give brief details about the fire. (Example: odor, smoke, or flames)

Children from birth through three years must be restrained in a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat. Children ages four and five years must be restrained in a separate carrier, an integrated child seat or a child booster seat. Failure to comply with child restraint requirements could result in a minimum fine of $166.

Also, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in Florida unless each passenger under the age of 16 is restrained by a safety belt or by a child restraint device. All drivers of motor vehicles are required to wear a safety belt, plus it is unlawful for any person 16 years of age or older to be a passenger in the front seat of a motor vehicle unless they are restrained by a safety belt when the vehicle is in motion. Failure to comply with any of these state laws could result in a minimum fine of $116.

Fingerprints are done between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in the department’s Records Section. Cost is $5 for the first card and $2 for each subsequent card. You must bring picture identification. Applicants must not sign the cards in advance.

Dancer permits are issued between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays in the department’s Records Section. Cost is $30 for first-time applicants and $30 for renewals, which are issued annually. Replacement cards are $10 if the owner’s card has not expired and was issued within the past year. Applicants must be at least age 18 and must bring a picture identification.

Taxi permits are issued between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays in the department’s Records Section. Cost is $16 for first-time applications and permits; renewals are $6 and are done every September. There is also a $10 notary fee if that is done at the department; otherwise, the permit can be taken elsewhere to be notarized. Applicants must bring a valid Florida driver’s license. Also, applicants must not have been convicted of or released from incarceration for a class three felony in the United States within the preceding three years; a class two felony, a class one felony, a capital felony, or a life felony; have more than one DUI; or a sex crime or be listed on a sexual offender or sexual predator registry.

Copies of reports are 15 cents per page single sided and 20 cents per page double sided. Copies of traffic homicide reports are $25 each and cost of traffic citation copies is 50 cents each. Among the other services and fees are: $3 plus cost of copies if applicable for background record checks, $10 each for taxi and wrecker vehicle inspections, and $5 for bank security ID card. The amount charged for research time is $12 per hour which is prorated in 15-minute increments after the first 30 minutes of research at no cost.

Mail requests can be sent to the Records Section, Pensacola Police Department, P.O. Box 1750, Pensacola, FL 32591 – 1750. Requests should include a case number if it is available.

These events occur one to two times annually. Advertisements are placed 10 days in advance in the legal section of the Pensacola News Journal Classifieds and are also broadcast and printed by various local media.

These are available around-the-clock at the Desk Sergeant’s Office at police headquarters, 711 N. Hayne St., but are not processed at the department. It will cost about $115 to complete the application process. For additional information on what is required to apply and/or to make an appointment (which is required) please contact the Department of Agriculture Division of Licensing at 850.833.9146. Their office is located at 111 Racetrack Road, Unit 111-C, Choctaw Plaza, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.

The Pensacola Police Department does not have a jail. All people who are charged with crimes are taken to the Escambia County Jail, which has two facilities: 2935 North L St. & 1200 W. Leonard St. The number to find out if someone has been arrested is 850.436.9676.

FS 119.011(12) defines “Public records” as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.

Requests for records may be made in writing, email, telephone, fax, letter, or in-person to: Public Records Coordinator 222 West Main Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Telephone: (850) 435-1715 Email: publicrecords@cityofpensacola.com The requester(s) do not have to identify themselves or state the reason they desire the records. Although the public records act does not require that requests be submitted in writing, doing so provides real practical benefits to the requester by ensuring they have an accurate record of what they requested. When submitting a request, try to be as specific as possible. Rather than asking for all records over several years, consider starting with a narrow request and then make follow-up requests.

The Public Records Act does not contain a specific time limit for compliance with public records requests. Under the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, the only delay in producing records "is the reasonable time allowed to retrieve the record, to review the record for exempt information, and redact those portions of the record which are exempt." Many factors determine the "reasonable" period of time in which the requested information can be provided: the nature of the request, the time involved in collecting and generating the requested information, the scope and volume of the material involved, the general accessibility of the records, the personnel required to process the request and information resources necessary to collect or generate the requested information. While every effort will be made to comply with public records requests promptly and in good faith, City of Pensacola Public Records Policy states that an initial acknowledgement to any public records request should be received within seventy-two (72) hours and will be processed in the order in which it is received.

The Public Records Act allows the City to collect a “per copy” fee or the actual cost for materials and supplies used to duplicate records. In accordance with Florida Statutes 119.07(4)(d), the City may collect a reasonable service charge when a request to inspect or copy public records requires the extensive use of technology resources and/or the extensive use of clerical or supervisory assistance. A service charge for the extensive use of City resources will be imposed if a request to inspect or copy public records takes more than 30 minutes to locate, review and/or redact exempt information, and copy the requested public records.

Personal bank account numbers, debit, charge and credit card numbers; social security numbers; work products related to preparation for collective bargaining negotiations; documents related to pending or threatened litigation; complaints relating to discrimination, discipline & employee performance while under investigation, if the complaint is inactive or the complaint is part of a court proceeding; sealed competitive bids or proposals until the City provides notice of a decision or within 10 days after bid opening (whichever is earlier); home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and photographs of active or former law enforcement personnel, firefighters, their spouses’ place of employment and names and locations of schools and day care facilities of their children are a few examples of exempt records.

To qualify for Section 8 rental assistance, families must have at least one member who is an U.S. Citizen or legal residents of the U.S.; meet income guidelines based on family size; meet criminal background requirements; not owe money to any federally assisted housing programs, and must not have been evicted from any unit under a federally assisted housing program.

No, the family is responsible for paying their own utility bills and any utility deposits needed to start the utility services. The utilities must be on in the head of household's name. Some families with very low income may be eligible for a monthly utility assistance payment.

The rental unit must be inspected by the Pensacola Housing's Inspection Department and meet the HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The unit must meet the family's needs based on household size, and rent must be affordable for the family, and market reasonable.

A list of landlords with available rental units will be provided to applicants at their eligibility briefing. Families are also encouraged to check the local newspapers and to contact realty companies and apartment complexes to inquire about vacancies.

If you provided an address within Escambia County when you joined the waiting list, once you've been issued a voucher you may take it to any other housing authority. This is called "portability or porting out". If you did not live within Escambia County prior to receiving a voucher you would not be eligible to use portability until you've resided in Pensacola Housing's jurisdiction for 1 year.

A family must be in "good standing" with Pensacola Housing and receiving PHA in order to port to another jurisdiction. This means the family must not owe any unpaid rent and are current on any over payment amounts due to Pensacola Housing or the receiving PHA in order to receive a Housing Choice Voucher to move under portability.

If you currently have a voucher and meet the above criteria contact your counselor to ask about using portability.

Currently the city's Stormwater Program is funded through transfers from the general fund.

The proposed rate structure will clearly identify user charges for stormwater program elements and the stormwater utility fee will be based on runoff using the impervious area value that has been assigned to each parcel.

Yes, there are ways to reduce the fee. Credits are available, in the form of bill reductions, for properties that have privately owned and maintained stormwater facilities. If you have an ownership interest in such a property, contact the city for additional information.

The total cost of the utility fee will be distributed to the properties placing a burden on the city's stormwater system. The amount of burden is relative to the amount of runoff from the property, measured in terms of the impervious area found on the parcel. Impervious area includes the roof area, paved parking, driveways, and other similar "hard" surfaces.

The utility fee applies to all developed properties, over 100 square feet of impervious surface, in the city's stormwater service area.

Properties in the stormwater service area are hydrologically connected to the city's stormwater system. This means that runoff from the property eventually enters a swale, catch basin, or pipe that is maintained by the city or a water body that is monitored and/or treated by a program of the city.

Illicit Dumping - Unloading or disposal of solid, semi-solid or liquid substances near or into a stormwater system. Examples include motors, containers, grass clippings and leaves.Illicit Spills - Any intentional or accidental spill of solid, semi-solid or liquid substances into or adjacent to a stormwater system. Examples include fluids from vehicles, chemicals from drums or storage tanks, used oil, paint containers or fertilizer.

Illicit Connections - Any man-made conveyance which connects non-stormwater discharges directly to a stormwater system. These illicit conveyances are located either above or below the ground and may include drains, pipes or ditches.

You received an official notification of the public hearing that took place at City Hall on August 23, 2001. At that meeting, City Council adopted a stormwater assessment fee.

The notice was sent to you as the owner of a developed property that will be affected by the fee. It includes the billing information for that specific property and an invitation for you to attend a meeting.

The money collected can only be spent on stormwater service programs. As a result of passing this service assessment, however, $1.5 million will be available for new stormwater capital project to be paid from the general fund.

The equivalent stormwater unit (ESU) is a billing unit, similar to a kilowatt hour that is the billing unit used to measure electric consumption. In Pensacola, each ESU represents 2,998 square feet, which was proposed in the 2012 fiscal year, of impervious surface that is found on the property.

All developed parcels, with over 100 square feet of impervious surfaces, will be assessed. Nonresidential properties; such as, commercial, industrial, and governmental, will be assessed based on the impervious area associated with their property.

The calculation will consider the total amount of impervious surfaces; such as, building footprint, parking lot, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces, divided by the billing unit value of 2,998, which was proposed in the 2012 fiscal year, and then will be multiplied by the adopted rate.

In some cases, a reduction to the bill amount will be granted if the property has a privately maintained drainage facility in place.

Some nonresidential properties that were constructed after 1986 will automatically receive a mitigation credit. More information on mitigation credits and other adjustments has been mailed with the first class notice you have received.

Please contact Customer Service at 850-435-1800 and provide your name, address, phone number, a the best time for someone to reach you, and most importantly, the Parcel Identification Number found on the Notice of Public Hearing. You will be contacted within the next few days.

An overgrown pond is not eligible for a credit at this time. Eligible ponds must be maintained so that they function at the original design level. After the pond is retrofitted so that it could be expected to function at the design level, the mitigation credit will be restored.,bR>The city may request that a professional engineer document the capacity of the pond prior to assigning a mitigation credit to the property.

A stormwater mitigation facility is a detention or retention pond that has been constructed and maintained so that it provides water quality enhancement, runoff peak flow (rate) attenuation, and/or runoff quantity (peak volume) attenuation.

No, only ponds that are privately maintained are eligible. The purpose of the mitigation credit policy is to adjust the stormwater assessment for those properties whose ponds or other mitigation facilities reduce the amount of runoff that the city system has to manage.

Yes, there have been properties that have qualified for mitigation credits. In 1986, regulations required the construction of a mitigation pond on certain properties as a part of their permit or development order. Approximately 350 parcels have been identified that have a functioning stormwater pond. These parcels have been given a 31.8% mitigation credit; some of these ponds may be eligible for additional credit. They may submit documentation provided by a professional engineer that demonstrates that additional treatment capacity, attenuation, or storage has been provided beyond the regulations adopted in 1986.

Adjustments are the means by which the city can deal with those parcels that have a unique stormwater attribute, or set of attributes, that cause impervious area to not fairly measure the relative runoff generated by that parcel. These adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis as necessitated by the facts of the situation to ensure the equitable assignment of stormwater billing units.

Special cases occur when, for some reason, the directly connected impervious area is lower than that of a typical parcel; or, if the site is located on a jurisdictional boundary, whether a portion of the runoff is connected to another jurisdiction's stormwater system.

The fee is assessed based on the impact of stormwater generated from property located within the city limits. The impact is calculated based on the amount of impervious area, land area covered or paved, and this is shown as an equivalent stormwater unit (ESU).

An equivalent stormwater unit (ESU) is the estimated amount of stormwater generated by impervious surfaces on each parcel of developed property. The ESU for Pensacola is 2,998 square feet, proposed in fiscal year 2012, or the amount of impervious area for the median single-family property.

The fee will be shown as part of the annual property tax bill issued in the fall. It will be paid to the tax collector as part of your normal property tax payment. For most people this would be a part of your mortgage payment.

Yes, commercial properties are charged a fee. Their charge will be calculated by dividing their total impervious area by 2.998, one equivalent stormwater unit (ESU), to establish their fee. Credits or bill reductions are available to properties that privately own and maintain stormwater treatment facilities. For more information on this, contact the city.

The stormwater assessment will be used to pay for expenditures for operations and maintenance of stormwater facilities as a part of the Stormwater Management Program. Funds will pay for the repair or replacement of damaged drainage culverts and structures, and the regrading and mowing of swales.

The utility fee will also pay for the periodic adjustment and replacement of manholes and inlets where surrounding soils have subsided or damage has occurred.

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